Pushing To A New Normal

There’s a phrase I’ve found myself using a lot recently. So much so that it’s top of the list for my next tattoo (don’t worry Mum, I’ll think twice before adding something else to my body).

That phrase? NEW NORMAL.

The more I’ve become aware of new normals, the more I see them everywhere. And I’ve come to two conclusions:

• New normals are the only constant in life

• I’m a bit addicted to new normals

More specifically, I’m addicted to pushing to new normals and levelling up. It’s why I do what I do. It makes me come alive. And when you work for / by yourself, new normals are part of the furniture.
 
Whenever I think about what I find hardest about running my business, it’s never the long days or the difficult decisions, but the feeling that I never feel 100% prepared for what I’m currently doing yet I’m still not where I want to be.

There’s always the next goal.

I’m always running before I can walk.

It’s exhausting. And exhilarating. 

And in a way, understanding the concept of a ‘new normal’ has helped me cope with that.

If I feel uncomfortable, I’m doing something right. If I have to trust in something I don’t quite have evidence of, I’m moving forward at the rate I want to. If what I’m asking of myself feels outside of what’s easy, I’m in my happy place.

When I first started my business, I thought those feelings were short term. I figured they would only exist in the early days, soon to be replaced by their opposites once things were ‘successful’.

Oh how wrong I was.
 

If growing my business has taught me anything, it’s that whatever you have, will grow. Sounds dumb right? Stick with me here. Sure the money, the impact and the numbers will grow. But so will the not so shiny stuff. The fears, the problems and the blind spots grow too. Growth doesn’t solve problems in your business, it highlights them.

And that’s something I’m learning to be OK with. 

I’m losing the expectation that once things are more successful (whatever that even means) it’ll feel easier. I’m starting to see discomfort as a sign that I’m doing the right thing. I’m realising that the fact that I’m showing up, despite the discomfort, tells me it's worth it.

And I’m doing what I can to minimise and manage the side effects of pushing to new normals. Because whilst they’re no red flag, they’re certainly not my favourite part of running a business.
 
I started this email with the statement - I never feel 100% prepared for what I’m currently doing yet I’m still not where I want to be.

When I first wrote that in my journal, I saw it as a negative. But now, a whole lot of self awareness and evidence down the line, I love it.

That feeling is why I do what I do. It’s what keeps me showing up for this business each day. It’s how I know I’m pushing to a new normal.
And for me, that’s what running a business (and let’s be real, life) is about.
 

Tell me, what does this concept of new normals look like for you?